The suspects are accused of a variety of crimes, including mafia association and extortion.
Investigators said the probe that led to the arrests showed that the Gambino New York crime family continues to do business with Sicilian mobsters, especially Palermo’s Torretta, Partinico and Borgetto clans.
They said they had uncovered evidence of American mafiosi getting ‘training’ from their Sicilian “cousins” in using a softer, less violent approach, which includes demanding smaller amounts from extortion victims, so they are less likely to turn to the State for help.
The investigators said drug trafficking continues to be a business that links the crime families across the ocean.
ANSA
